COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-2/20 Control Column Torque Tubes - Inspection 9/80
Applicability: All models DHC-2 and DHC-2 Mk. III. Document: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada SB No. 2/28.
Compliance: Initially inspect within 25 hours time in service after 18 September 1980 and thereafter as noted in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada SB No. 2/28.
Background: Three overseas operators have reported cracks in the horizontal torque tube at the base of the control column.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety of aircraft through detailed regulatory measures. Enacted by the Australian Government, these regulations are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure compliance with safety standards and to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations. The particular focus of AD/DHC-2/20 is on the inspection of control column torque tubes for DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes to prevent potential structural failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive was introduced in response to reports of cracks in the horizontal torque tube at the base of the control column from overseas operators, necessitating a proactive approach to maintaining airworthiness and ensuring the safety of all flights.
The policy objective of these regulations is to establish clear, mandatory safety standards and to enforce compliance through regular inspections and the issuance of specific directives as required. By mandating inspections within 25 hours of service after a specified date, CASA aims to identify and rectify potential safety issues before they can lead to catastrophic failures. This legislative instrument is an integral part of the ongoing effort to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety in Australia, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and that the risk to passengers and crew is minimised.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulations under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, apply to all models of DHC-2 and DHC-2 Mk. III aeroplanes, encompassing a comprehensive requirement for the inspection of control column torque tubes. This applies to all entities and individuals operating these specific aircraft models within Australian airspace or under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates an initial inspection within 25 hours of time in service following 18 September 1980, with subsequent inspections as detailed in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 2/28. This regulation is rooted in the safety concerns raised by reported cracks in the horizontal torque tube at the base of the control column, as evidenced by incidents with overseas operators. The regulations do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the stipulated inspection requirements, which are designed to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, outline the requirements for the airworthiness of DHC-2 (Beaver) series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such directive, AD/DHC-2/20, focuses on the inspection of control column torque tubes (Section 9/80). This directive applies to all models of the DHC-2 and DHC-2 Mk. III aeroplanes. The requirement is to perform an initial inspection of the control column torque tubes within 25 hours of time in service after 18 September 1980, followed by subsequent inspections as detailed in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 2/28. The directive is a response to reports from overseas operators of cracks in the horizontal torque tube at the base of the control column.
The Act imposes several obligations on the operators and maintenance personnel of DHC-2 series aeroplanes. Primarily, they are required to conduct a thorough inspection of the control column torque tubes within the specified timeframe. This inspection must be carried out in accordance with the detailed procedures outlined in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No. 2/28. Additionally, operators must maintain records of all inspections and any findings, ensuring that these records are readily available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements could result in significant safety risks, including potential in-flight failures that could compromise the controllability of the aircraft.
Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, failure to adhere to the prescribed inspection requirements can result in substantial penalties. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, as well as any resultant safety breaches. CASA has the authority to enforce these penalties to ensure that all DHC-2 series aeroplanes maintain their airworthiness standards. It is critical for operators to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid these potential legal and financial repercussions.